Journal of perioperative practice
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Up to 70% of surgical patients develop hypothermia perioperatively. Inadvertent hypothermia can be caused by a cold operating theatre, anaesthetic effects, exposure to the environment and administration of cold intravenous or irrigation fluids. ⋯ Preventing unplanned hypothermia increases patient comfort and prevents associated complications. It can be achieved by simple preventative measures (Burger & Fitzpatrick 2009, Lynch et al 2010).